A total of 455 Caloocan City residents completed their four-month courses under the local government’s free skills training program on Monday, Nov. 21.

Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo "Along" Malapitan led the graduation rites for the trainees held at the Bulwagang Katipunan, Caloocan City Hall (South).

“Binabati at kinikilala ko po kayo sa inyong pagpupursigi. Hiling ko na ang lahat ng inyong natutunan ay maging daan para makatulong na magkaroon kayo ng pagkakakitaan (I congratulate and recognize you for your perseverance. I wish that everything you have learned will help you earn a living),” Malapitan said.

The city government said the trainings were conducted by the Caloocan City Manpower Training Center (CCMTC) under the Public Employment Service Office (PESO).

The trainees attended the classes for courses such as housekeeping, advanced computer operations, cosmetology, and culinary for four months under the blended learning (e-learning and face-to-face) mode.

The mayor said the program is aligned with his commitment to provide opportunities for all, especially for those who lack the usual qualifications for full-time jobs.

"Tulad po ng lagi nating sinasabi, batid natin na hindi lahat ay may kakayanan o kwalipikasyon para magtrabaho. Sa tulong ng ating programa, maging ang mga high school level, senior citizen, solo parent at PWD ay may angkop nang kahusayan o may pagkakataon nang magbukas ng maliit na negosyo gamit ang kanilang mga natutunan sa kanilang mga kurso (As we always say, we know that not everyone has the ability or qualifications to work. With the help of our program, even those in the high school level, senior citizens, single parents and PWD have appropriate skills or have the opportunity to open a small business using what they learned in their courses)," he said.

The city government said it also provides assistance for those who are taking the Technical Education And Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) National Certification II (NC-II) Assessment and Certification.

"Tuloy-tuloy po ang programa nating libreng skills training alinsunod sa direktiba ni Mayor Along. Sa kasalukuyan po, ongoing na ang enrollment para sa susunod nating batch (Our free skills training program will continue in accordance with Mayor Along's directive. Currently, the enrollment for our next batch is ongoing)," PESO Officer-in-Charge Ms. Violeta Gonzales said.

Applicants may inquire and submit their requirements at the CCMTC Office-Bldg. F. Roxas St., between 1st and 2nd Avenue, South Caloocan; PESO Office, 6th floor, Caloocan City Hall-South; or at PESO Office 3rd floor, Caloocan City Hall-North., according to the local goverment.